Motorola is moving away from the MOTOBLUR branding and the overall use of said skin. The rumors and speculation concerning MOTOBLUR’s future were confirmed after Motorola PR had to smooth over comments made by Motorola Mobility CEO, Sanjay Jha, whom said MOTOBLUR was one of the “tools” to help stop Android fragmentation and help with the poor performance Android’s open nature allows.
The move away from the MOTOBLUR brand image is supposedly due to “consumer feedback”. In non-PR speak that means the general populous hates MOTOBLUR, has hated it since the beginning of time, and want less software interference from hardware manufacturers. (There’s a reason they make hardware you know — because they suck at software.)
With all that said, Motorola has stated that certain pieces of MOTOBLUR features and functionality will remain in use. We here at GS will gladly take added functionality as long as it doesn’t look like garbage. In Motorola’s case with MOTOBLUR, it looked like garbage. Looks like a win-win for Motorola Android users.
Those looking for a true dual-core smartphone with 4G speeds can now look to Sprint for the hookup. The freshly announced Motorola Photon packs a 4.3″ qHD (540 x 960) display, Nvidia Tegra 2 dual-core processor running at 1 GHz, 1 GB of RAM, 16 GB of internal storage, 8-megapixel rear/1.3-megapixel front-facing cameras, and Android 2.3 w/ MOTOBLUR. Also included in the feature list is global 3G/4G capabilities thanks to a built in GSM radios.
The only release date mentioned was a vague “this summer” meaning specific pricing and release info is still in the works. Check back soon…
Love your new super fast Android phone but finding certain aspects of the OS lag and the battery peters out after a short “day”. You’re not alone. We too have experienced such things on the myriad of Android devices we’ve had pass through our door. But a quick root and custom ROM flash usually cures all (and then some). Motorola Mobility CEO Sanjay Jha feels your pain as he too thinks a lot of Android’s problems could be fixed with more stringent 3rd party app requirements while also saying that Android’s openness is “a doubled-edged sword”.
But lucky for us, Motorola has a fix — MOTOBLUR. Not exactly the answer you were looking for? Us either. Jha revealed that MOTOBLUR as we know it has been collecting user statistics as to what apps are opened most/least, which apps require more CPU power (and in turn use more battery) and so on in order to create a massive crowd-sourced database that can aid users when installing 3rd party software. Jha claims that such statistics will allow Motorola to build a better MOTOBLUR interface. No mention was made as to whether or not MOTOBLUR will be put under the same scrutiny. With that said, we on the other hand think a completely skinless Android would go a much longer way.
Left out of Jha’s statements today was any mention of Motorola unlocking bootloaders and freeing their phones. Maybe next time…
The recipe: dual-core 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 4.3″ 540 x 960 display, 512 MB of RAM, and up to 38 GB of total storage (6 GB internal + 32 GB external). Sounds like a winning formula does it not? If only things were so simple.
We’ve got a DROID X2 in house and we’re pretty sure you’d like to know about it. Jump inside for the full rundown…
While us U.S.-born earthlings have had the pleasure of groping the Motorola Atrix 4G for many weeks now, our friends across the pond are just now getting in on the fun. Starting today Orange UK customers can pick up their very own Atrix 4G for free as long as they have a £35 or higher plan as well as a new 2-year contract. The cheapest plan available offers new A4G owners 600 minutes, 750 MB data, unlimited texts, and 50 MMS — Orange even throws in free WiFi! Jokes aside, a starting price of free for a high-end phone such as the Atrix 4G is quite a steal.
And just in case you needed a helpful nudge — The Atrix 4G features a 1GHz dual-core Nvidia Tegra 2 processor, 4-inch qHD display with 960 x 540 resolution, and Android 2.2 (Froyo) w/ Moto BLUR.
If you’re overall happy with your Moto CLIQ but wishing it was tightened up just a bit, a fresh OS update from Motorola is surely something to turn your frown upside down. The biggest updates touched upon include battery, touch, and bluetooth performance with many other areas getting the much needed attention. What are you waiting for?! Get the update now via your device under “System Updates” in the Settings app.
The Motorola Motus, leaked in all of it’s glory. We talked earlier about Motorola falling into a “Razr Rut” in regards to getting stuck on one design and beating it long past it’s expiration date. With that said, the first interesting feature of the Motus is that it’s not a “traditional slider” but instead features a unique flip open action. Excited? The rest of the specs…
So whataya think? It’s not a Droid replacement at all as the specs point to another mid-range Android device. But hey, more Android is a good thing. Would you buy it?
Well sweet Jebus. Android how I love thee. If HTC’s Sense UI has lost the luster of your eye or simply isn’t your cup ‘o tea, perhaps you’d care to try your luck with Motorola’s new Android skin, “MOTOBLUR”, on your trusty G1? I sure would! That is…if I had a G1. Moving on, the dirty deeds are detailed in the vid above in case you’re feeling gutsy.
After the whole Google/Cyanogen drama, I’m sure Google, and more importantly Moto won’t be too thrilled with this harmless port. Hey, if you come to the open source game you better learn that open source individuals share…not restrict the free flow of information and goods. Hack away guys (and gals)!
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